Regional

5:15 pm

Thu January 17, 2013

Ex-NM Congress Candidate Indicted In Stalking Case

A former New Mexico congressional candidate accused of stalking a political rival and slashing the tires on her vehicles has been indicted by a Bernalillo County grand jury.

The indictment accuses Gary Smith of aggravated stalking or harassment, criminal damage to property and tampering with a motor vehicle.

The district attorney's office says the charges stem from three separate incidents. The last one occurred New Year's Day when Smith allegedly violated the terms of his release when he drove past the home of Janice Arnold-Jones, the Republican nominee in the 1st District congressional race.

An arraignment for Smith has not yet been scheduled. He remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque.

Smith is also facing charges of aggravated assault and misdemeanor vandalism in El Paso, Texas.